Look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. —Philippians 2:4 I suppose you’ve heard the story about a boy who was carrying a polio-afflicted youngster wearing heavy leg braces. A passerby commented that he was lugging quite a load. The boy said, “He […]
Turning his bruised and bloody face toward Jesus, he asked, “Are you doing this for me?” “Yes. And for that soldier with the club hanging from his belt, that he’s going to use at sundown to break your legs. And for the one standing next to him, thumbing the tip of the spear that he’s
The Rejected Challenge Read More »
At the moment of our need, Christ died for us. —Romans 5:6 Jackie Robinson was the first black to play major league baseball. When he botched a play on his home turf in Brooklyn, a trickle of boos quickly swelled into a roar. Shortstop Pee Wee Reese walked over, draped his arm around Jackie’s
He Stood Up for Us Read More »
You are the God who sees me. —Genesis 16:13 The massive statue, Cristo Redentor (Christ the Redeemer)—ninety-eight feet high, arms spread wide—stands watch over Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Millions see this Jesus, but this Jesus sees and hears no one. The first person to give God a name was
God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine. —Ephesians 3:20 What was your favorite childhood toy? Mine was an imaginary (broomstick) horse. James Vaughn, Billy Morningstar, and I rode our mythical mounts many a mile, dishing out serious hurt to black-hatted desperados. Stay-at-home dad, Jonathan
Recharge Your Imagination Read More »
I have learned to be content. —Philippians 4:11 I have a dear friend who has experienced life both on the mountain and in the valley. In a remarkably productive half-century, he created two dozen personal-development courses and coached over 1.5 million participants in 130 nations to positive, successful, spiritually-oriented lives. These days
Contentment Must Be Learned Read More »
I have called you friends. —John 15:15 I was asked to say a few words over an anonymous corpse in Llano Cemetery, where Potter County, Texas, buried its unknown dead. No family or friend had been found. Professional musician Jay Boy Adams’ father told him he didn’t have enough friends to serve
Come near to God and he will come near to you. —James 4:8 “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mk 1:35). Jesus needed time with the Father—just the two of them. You need
Help carry one another’s burdens. —Galatians 6:2 Nine-year-old Marlee Pack returned to Meridian Elementary School in Broomfield, Colorado, following a year of cancer treatment. Bald. Her best friend, Cameron McLaughlin, told her she was going to shave her head. Cameron’s commitment ballooned into a school-wide event: on
Do Something, Say Something Read More »
Let your gentleness be evident to all. —Philippians 4:5 Burton Coffman’s cancer was detected early, treated successfully, and he was declared cancer-free. Years later—nearing his 100th birthday, and not feeling well—Burton underwent a battery of tests, then asked his doctor, “Is the cancer back?” “Yes,” he said,
